Outreach model LARC scholarships now open for application

Healthcare professionals working in rural and regional Australia can now access long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) training closer to home, with the AUSLARC program introducing a new outreach training model designed to improve access to education and clinical skills development.
 
The initiative aims to reduce the need for healthcare workers in regional and remote communities to travel long distances to complete accredited training.
 
The outreach model offers scholarships for eligible healthcare professionals seeking training in Implanon NXT insertion and removal or intrauterine device (IUD) insertion and removal in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Northen Territory, and Western Australia.
 
To be eligible for an AUSLARC outreach scholarship, applicants must work in a Modified Monash Model 2–7 location, meet the clinical requirements for their chosen course, provide written support from their manager and hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance. For further detail on eligibility, visit the AUSLARC website.
 
The program combines online training, face-to-face workshops and, where applicable, supervised clinical placements to ensure participants gain the knowledge and practical experience required to provide LARC services safely and confidently.

Implanon NXT training
The outreach Implanon NXT program is delivered in two stages, beginning with an online, self-directed theory module.
 
Participants must complete the theory component at least one week before attending face-to-face training, with the module having been completed within the previous 12 months.
 
The second stage is an interactive workshop where those enrolled practise and are assessed on Implanon NXT insertion and removal techniques using clinical simulation models, under guided supervision. This also provides trainees with an opportunity to ask questions and gain useful troubleshooting tips and techniques.
 
In some states and territories, participants may also complete a supervised clinical placement.
 
If Implanon NXT Clinical Attachment training is the preferred option of the training healthcare workers, they are responsible for organising at least six patients for a one-day placement, including a minimum of two Implanon NXT insertions and two removals.
 
Applicants undertaking Implanon NXT Clinical Attachment outreach training must also have access to a suitable procedure room, an adjustable examination bed or chair, and adequate clinical lighting.
 
On successful completion of the program, members are expected to be able to safely assess patients, provide counselling and perform Implanon NXT insertions and removals.
 
IUD training
The outreach IUD training program follows a three-step structure.
 
Healthcare workers first complete an online theory module before attending a practical workshop covering both hormonal and copper IUD insertion and removal techniques.
 
The final stage involves a supervised clinical placement over two days.
 
Participants are required to organise at least 12 patients, although this number may vary depending on local training arrangements.
 
Following successful completion, healthcare workers should be able to independently assess, counsel, insert and remove both hormonal and copper IUDs.
 
To host outreach IUD training, applicants must have a procedure room with at least 1.5 metres of clearance at the end of the examination bed, an adjustable bed or chair, good clinical lighting, resuscitation equipment and access to atropine.
 
Applying for an outreach AUSLARC scholarship
Healthcare professionals can apply either individually or as part of a workplace or regional group.
 
Applicants applying individually should note that training may not be scheduled until sufficient numbers are available in their region.
 
Healthcare workers are encouraged to monitor communications from Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia and their state or territory Sexual and Reproductive Health organisation for information about upcoming outreach sessions.
 
Workplaces wishing to host training can apply as a group, however each participant must submit an individual scholarship application through the AUSLARC portal, as all applications are assessed separately.
 
Applicants who already have an AUSLARC account are asked to first notify Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia of their intention to apply for outreach training by emailing auslarc@srha.org.au.
 
Once advised that outreach applications are available, applicants can log into the AUSLARC portal, complete the additional outreach questions and await notification of the outcome via email.
 
All applicants must meet the essential eligibility criteria before being accepted into outreach training.
 
Where additional requirements need to be completed, applicants may be contacted and given the opportunity to address outstanding criteria before final acceptance into the program.
 
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